Fri, March 29, 2024

Destination Augusta CEO shares strategies for engaging Masters’ guests

When it comes to engaging Masters’ guests, sometimes the little things local businesses do can create memorable experiences for those guests, according to Bennish Brown.

Brown, President, and CEO of Destination Augusta presented creative strategies businesses can use to attract out-of-town customers for tournament week at the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Local business owners glean tips on how to attract those attending Masters to their businesses. (Photo by Josh Heath)

Simple, cost-effective strategies businesses can implement include changing their signs to welcome guests to Augusta or providing unique Masters Week sales offers.

eoy CAMPAIGN HEADER

“Take the golf theme to the next level, and have some fun,” he said. “Tap into the look and feel of the event.”

Brown shared creative ways local businesses have found to attract guests this year. For example, Cudos2u, a gift shop in Evans, has advertised a line of Masters-themed cookbooks on Facebook and Instagram with the message “Cook like the pros.”

With thousands coming to town, there will be plenty of opportunities for all businesses to engage guests next week. Brown even encourages businesses to work together to attract customers whenever possible.

“The economic impact here is extremely significant,” he said.

Brown said billboard advertising is another effective tool for attracting customers. For example, Destination Augusta strategically places billboards around town to attract visitors to their website, which lists a variety of unique things to do throughout the CSRA.

Of course, he also discussed the importance of social media advertising and hashtags.

“There are over 1,000 posts with the Masters’ hashtag,” Brown said. “Be creative and intentional with hashtags.”

One of the attendees, Dayon Walker, owner of Reserve and Ride Water Sports, gives guided jet ski tours of the Savannah River. Walker uses hashtags to attract customers.

“I have several I use for my business, such as #SavannahRiver and #RideWithUs,” he said.

Brown said it’s also important to remember the Augusta National Golf Club provides everything guests need during the day, but after they leave the course, they venture out to area restaurants, shops, and other businesses.

“The course shouldn’t be the only thing they see in Augusta,” he said. “It should be a starting point.”

For more ideas on how to attract Masters’ guests, go to visitaugusta.com.

Subscribe to our eNewsletter for the BEST local business news delivered to your Inbox each week day.

* indicates required

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More Posts

Cyber attacks: Not if but when?

Think your company is too small to be hacked? No. So what happens to the integrity of your business when your customer’s info is breached?